Chapter 481

The charity auction had just wrapped up, and Cedric escorted Lydia towards Elite Lux.

Lydia's red gown shimmered under the lights,drawing lingering gazes from passersby.

She glanced at Cedric, then arched a brow.

People often described this rebellious CEO as cold,ruthless, and an unapproachable man exuding a sharp, commanding presence. And he never showed interest in women.

Lydia had joined Phillips Group because of him.

At first, she thought getting close to Cedric would be impossible. She'd been strategizing ways to approach him when, out of nowhere, she received an invitation to the charity auction.

She had dressed to impress. But the entire night,Cedric had never once spared her a glance. However, when Daniela appeared, a flicker of emotion had crossed Cedric's usually cold expression.

Now, Cedric's expression was unreadable. Was it worry or frustration? Maybe even irritation?

Lydia let out a soft chuckle. "Mr. Phillips, am I just a convenient distraction tonight?"

Cedric had grown up in an orphanage, hardened by a life that left little room for conscience.

Guilt was a foreign feeling except when it came to Daniela. To him, everyone else was insignificant.

He leaned back, exuding effortless arrogance, his tone as indifferent as ever. "If I recall,your contract states that when an opportunity for exposure arises,you're supposed to cooperate with the company's arrangements. So, there's no question of diversions.It's mutual benefit, nothing more."

Lydia was momentarily taken aback before a slow smile curved her lips. "You're brutally honest, Mr.Phillips," she murmured, shifting slightly, her silhouette illuminated by the car lights, a deliberate flirtation.

"Stop the car." Cedric's expression darkened.

Lydia froze for a moment.

The driver obeyed instantly, pulling over.

"Get out!" Cedric demanded.

Lydia stared at him. "We're on an overpass!"

Cedric's gaze was unyielding, his tone merciless. "I said,get ouut."

Without hesitation, the driver stepped out, opened the door, and said with the same cold detachment,"Miss Vargas, please step out."

Seething, Lydia stepped out. The moment her heels touched the pavement, the driver shut the door, slid back into the car, and stepped on the gas.

The sleek vehicle disappeared into the night.

Lydia clenched her teeth, frustrated. Stepping out in her high heels, she barely caught her balance as the wind tugged at her gown.

She spat at the retreating taillights. "Jerk!"

Inside the car, Cedric remained silent, his gaze fixed on the passing scenery while the diver concentrated on the road.

But his mind was elsewhere. He kept seeing Daniela's expression from earlier when she saw him and Lydia at the auction.

He was losing his damn mind.

How had he come up with such a stupid idea?

In the front passenger seat, his secretary, who had been holding back his frustration, finally snapped."Mr. Phillips, you crossed the line tonight. Forget how the press will spin this. Do you have any idea what this must've hurt your wife? She's always distant with outsiders, but with us at Phillips Group, kind and approachable. Do you know why? Because of you.She's been doing her best to comfort you, and this is how you repay her. Did you even see her face when she looked at you tonight? You've spoiled her so much and still did this to her? She left early tonight.She must have been devastated. If you keep this up,don't be surprised if she walks away from you for good."

The last sentence landed like a slap and Cedric's whole body tensed. "I wasn't thinking then."

The charity auction had been another tiresome and boring social event. CEOs often brought secretaries or companions. They didn't often bring their wives.

He just wanted to show his displeasure. He hadn't meant to use Lydia to provoke Daniela.

The secretary scoffed. "Typical. When men get what they want, they stop valuing it. You spent years fighting for her. Now look at you. You've turned into a complete asshole."

The secretary sided with Daniela.

The driver, silently gripping the wheel, hesitated before speaking. "Mr. Phillips, your wife didn't seem well tonight." Cedric's head snapped up, his sharp gaze locking onto the driver. "What did you just say?" His voice held an edge of urgency.

The driver swallowed. "I mean it. When you were inside, I stepped out for a smoke. When I came back,I saw your wife and Lillian leaving. Lillian bent down to ask if she was okay. Your wife stood by the door for a long time as if struggling to catch her breath.I ran to grab a bottle of water, but by the time I got back, they were already gone. Ryan was driving. He sped off."

Cedric's hand, resting on his knee, trembled.

-A suffocating silence filled the car.

His mind went blank.

His secretary looked at him and sighed, rubbing his temple. "You should talk to her. You know she's not unreasonable. It was just a charity auction. Explain yourself before this gets worse."

The secretary comforted him. The car slowed as they neared the Elite Lux.

The driver suddenly spoke. "Mr. Phillips, it's Lillian! It looks like she is seeing someone off."

Cedric shoved the door open. Across the street, a black car was pulling away. Lillian stood beside it,watching. At first, she smiled but as her eyes met Cedric's, the warmth drained from her expression.Her gaze turned cold.

The secretary and driver exchanged nervous glances.

This was bad!